The New Jersey Independent School Athletic Association (NJISAA) has selected Kate Siedem ’23 as their Jan Baker Scholar Athlete Award Winner. The award is voted upon by all the Athletic Directors at private independent schools in New Jersey, is only awarded to one male and female athlete, and is a statewide accolade. Siedem was also honored as a New Jersey State Interschool Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Scholar Athlete at their own annual awards luncheon in May, and she has been selected as the 2022-2023 Oak Knoll Scholar Athlete of the Year. She will be celebrated, among other athletic awards winners, at Oak Knoll’s annual awards dinner on June 5, 2023 and her name will be proudly displayed on the perpetual plaque in Tisdall Hall.

“Kate is extremely deserving of this award as she is a true scholar athlete in every sense of the word,” commented Oak Knoll Athletic Director Kelly Childs. “She has a passion for learning and works tirelessly to improve. She has been an instrumental part of our Field Hockey and Ice Hockey teams throughout her Oak Knoll career, and we are really excited to follow her athletic and academic journey at Brown University.” 

Siedem served as a field hockey captain as a senior, and ice hockey captain as a junior and senior. She has also excelled academically. She received the Grade 9 Math Departmental Award, the Grade 10 World Language Departmental Award, was inducted into the Cum Laude Society as a junior, is an AP Scholar,  and was the Academic Council President during her senior year.  

Kate also had a number of other athletic accolades, including NFHCA Third Team All American, NFHCA All-New Jersey Region, Max Field Hockey 2021 All-New Jersey Region First Team, First Team All State, First Team All Non-Public, First Team All County, First Team All Conference, and Max Field Hockey Preseason Player to watch. Kate was also named to the NFHCA High School National Academic Squad, and received Max Field Hockey National HS Invitational Top Performer recognition this fall. 

“I am so honored to receive these Scholar-Athlete Awards,” said Siedem. “I cannot thank Oak Knoll enough for offering me so many opportunities to pursue the things I love. Whether it be on the field or in the classroom, I was always encouraged to take risks and step outside my comfort zone. I can say with full confidence that the support of my peers along with the guidance of my coaches, teachers, and parents has allowed me to grow as a student and an athlete, and I will forever be grateful for my experience at Oak Knoll.”

Congratulations to Kate Siedem ’23 on earning these most prestigious athletic awards.